KINGSVILLE, Texas - A Castle Rock, Colorado, native is serving in the U.S. Marine Corps alongside naval aviators who learn the skills they need to fly missions around the world.
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Photo by Stephanie Fox, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
1st. Lt. Alexander Barton, a 2013 graduate of Castle View High School and 2018 U.S. Merchant Marine Academy graduate, joined the Marine Corps four years ago.
“I joined the Marine Corps because I have always wanted to fly fighter jets since I was a kid,” said Barton. “I also wanted the ability to support other Marines on the ground directly.”
Skills and values learned in the Marines are similar to those found in Castle Rock.
“Growing up, I learned how the amount of effort you put into something that you care about results in a proportional positive outcome,” said Barton. “The harder you try, the more successful you become.”
Barton serves as a student pilot with Training Squadron 22, a strike jet training squadron, located at Naval Air Station Kingsville, Texas.
“I enjoy the fact that every day I get to fly,” said Barton. "I get to operate and pilot one of the most exciting machines ever created. In the future, planes will only get more exciting and advanced.”
The air training program focuses on the increased complexity of today’s aircraft. After successfully completing the rigorous program, naval aviators earn their coveted “Wings of Gold.”
After graduation, pilots continue their training to learn how to fly a specific aircraft, such as the F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter attack jet, the F-35 Lightning strike fighter jet or the SH-60 Seahawk helicopter. These aircraft take off from and land on Navy aircraft carriers at sea.
Navy aircraft carriers are designed for a 50-year service life. When the air wing is embarked, the ship carries more than 70 attack fighter jets, helicopters and other aircraft, all of which take off from and land aboard the carrier at sea. With more than 5,000 sailors serving aboard, the aircraft carrier is a self-contained mobile airport.
Aircraft carriers are often the first response to a global crisis because of their ability to operate freely in international waters anywhere on the world’s oceans.
Since USS Langley's commissioning 100 years ago, the nation's aircraft carriers and embarked carrier air wings have projected power, sustained sea control, bolstered deterrence, provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and maintained enduring commitments worldwide.
"The aircraft carrier is our U.S. Navy's centerpiece, our flagship, and a constant reminder to the rest of the world of our enduring maritime presence and influence," said Rear Adm. James P. Downey, USN, Program Executive Officer (PEO) Aircraft Carriers. "These ships touch every part of our Navy's mission to project power, ensure sea control, and deter our adversaries."
With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to ready sailors and a strong Navy.
Serving in the Department of the Defense means Alexander is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Marine Corps is the first to fly off of naval ships,” said Barton. “Operating on amphibious ships, gives the U.S. the ability to respond to threats in a very short amount of time.”
Barton has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of my ability to recover from a mishap that left me hospitalized,” said Barton. “My beautiful wife and I overcame massive hurdles for me to return to flight status.”
Barton takes pride in serving the country in the Marine Corps.
“Serving in the Marine Corps is both an honor and a privilege,” said Barton. “Everyone does not have the opportunity to serve our country. It’s a very exciting lifestyle.”
Barton is grateful to loved ones back home for helping make a Marine Corps career possible.
“I want to thank my parents for supporting me as I follow my dream and providing me with the opportunities that made me successful,” added Barton. “I also want to thank my wonderful wife for being by me through thick and thin, and being my number one teammate on this journey.”
Barton is grateful to loved ones back home for helping make a Marine Corps career possible.
“I want to thank my parents for supporting me as I follow my dream and providing me with the opportunities that made me successful,” added Barton. “I also want to thank my wonderful wife for being by me through thick and thin, and being my number one teammate on this journey.”